Thanks For Visiting

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347. How to Optimize Your Supply Inventory as an Airbnb Co-Host in 2024 Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Today’s expert guest is Wendy Doris. Experienced house flipper, host, co-host, and Hosting Business Mastery Method (HBMM) coach, Wendy loves the details, especially when it comes to the operations of her business. We lean into that expertise in this episode, jumping into the deep end on supplies as they relate to short-term rental listings.

Managing more than a dozen properties in the Phoenix area, Wendy set out to reimagine her supply chain operations – where, who, why, when, and how. We won’t spoil her story, but to let you know that she gets very detailed with the specific calculations she ran, hiccups and highlights, and of course, the bottom line financial results of what she’s implemented.

Her approach is a great example of why we run numbers in our industry – and how to avoid being paralyzed by them.

The funny thing about the work it takes to set up efficient systems is that, if done effectively – they disappear from your to-do list! Wendy explains that she ideated on the program for six months before taking the leap and putting it into action. The results, as they say, speak for themselves.

Big thanks to Wendy for taking the time to share this super niche but super valuable insight with the community today. We hope inspires you to take a closer look at some of the more mundane, ongoing costs in your business to see if a creative solution like Wendy’s might apply.

(00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @CandyCabinsofBrokenBow

(00:02:51) (Re)Introducing STR Co-Hosting Expert Wendy Doris

(00:08:05) Managing Stock of Supplies for an STR Business

(00:17:41) Supply Program Results & Reactions: One Year Later

(00:38:13) Other Tips & Tools for Your STR Supply Inventory

Resources:

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Co-hosting website: mostess.host

• Video: Airbnb Hosts: A Simple Supply System

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

• #STRShareSunday: @CandyCabinsofBrokenBow

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

346. Hosting Hotline: Short-Term Rental Dreams vs. Mid-Term Rental Demand Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Katelyn asks:

My husband and I own Stay Old Town Road in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's four small, super charming historic houses on one property in the best tourist location in town. We got into hosting because we love travel and hospitality. We've always envisioned our guest avatar as a vacationer.

Then, we had a very different guest type fall into our laps, so we pivoted to host midterm stays for the film industry.

At first, it just felt like a smart strategy to fill our slow season. We thought we could use the time we were saving while not hosting traditional guests to build up our social media and our website. We were finally going to start telling the brand story that we've been dreaming up. Now that we know how great these film industry guests can be, we're wondering… Do we even need a brand?

Should we lean into developing relationships with production companies instead? Is it a waste of our time and money to market these houses as the vacation rentals that we always thought they were? We have 100% occupancy for months at a time and leases signed and paid by big companies like Netflix. It seems like a no-brainer, but we feel our hospitality dreams slipping away.

Should we keep building our brand as a backup to fill time between productions knowing that we'll be marketing nights that are few and far between? Or will that just make potential guests feel frustrated that we have such limited availability? What should we do?

(00:01:24) Do We Need a Brand as a Mid-Term Rental Business?

(00:04:06) As a Short-Term Rental: You Are Your Brand

(00:06:11) Creative Ideas for Leveraging Your Circumstance

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Video: Airbnb Market Shift | Thrive as a Host

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

345. STR Safety in 2024: The Latest on Regulations, Technology & Trends with Justin Ford Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Today’s expert guest is Justin Ford, an international safety superstar when it comes to short-term rentals. Returning for his record thirteenth appearance on the show, the wisdom just never stops with Justin, as he’s become a close friend of the show – and hopefully, a trusted advisor to all of our listeners.

Justin updates us on his latest travels, taking us from a safety survey in a $40k/night Colorado mansion listing to affecting permanent and positive change in Cancun’s STR regulations. We go from the details – touching on carbon monoxide detectors and loose rugs – to looking at safety from a wider perspective – insurance liability, communication, and industry trends.

We can’t thank Justin enough for being such a huge part of our own educational programming, and for fighting the good fight for honest, safety-minded hosts all over the world. His advice continues to be invaluable to us, and to this community. We encourage you to show him some love on social media when you get the chance!

(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @staynplay_branson

(00:04:30) The State of Short-Term Rental Safety

(00:09:16) The Global Travels of an STR Safety Expert

(00:13:27) Importance of Gas Detectors in Your Listing

(00:15:14) What Makes a Safe Bedroom in a Vacation Rental?

(00:17:44) How to Effectively Sell Your Commitment to Safety

(00:21:55) Safety Steps to Remember as an STR Co-Host

(00:26:25) Defending Your Certifiably Safe Short-Term Rental

(00:34:18) Quick & Easy Steps to a Safer Airbnb Listing

(00:44:05) What’s Next for Justin Ford?

Resources:

• Website: justinford.expert

• LinkedIn: Justin Ford

• Blog: Breezeway Blog

• Facebook: Short Term Rental Safety

• Video: Damage Claims: Airbnb Hosting Hot Tips!

• Shop: Thanks for Visiting safety products

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

• #STRShareSunday: @StayNPlayBranson

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

344. Hosting Hotline: Tips & Tricks for Avoiding Pet Smells in Your Short-Term Rental Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Samantha asks:

We recently started our short-term rental business and we currently have two rentals down at the beach. We are allowing pets at both of them because we're dog lovers ourselves. Our first guest had two dogs, and when we went in afterward, we noticed the scent of a dog. Do you recommend using any products, or staying away from scented products?

(00:01:31) Should I Worry if My Vacation Rental Smells Like a Dog?

(00:03:15) Pet-Friendly STR Hosting Tips

(00:04:56) Training Your Turnover Team for Pet Issues

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• ETI Solutions: etisolutions.co (email: info@etisolutions.co)

• Breezeway Pet-Friendly Checklist: breezeway.io/pet-checklist

• Video: Pet Friendly Airbnbs - How to Charge

• Pet Product Recommendations: amazon.com/shop/thanksforvisiting

• Pet-Friendly STR? Don’t Miss These Tips for Cleaning, Communication & Couch Covers #335

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

343. What’s a Public Adjuster? Why Knowing One Might Save Your Vacation Rental Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

Today’s expert guest is Gwynne Beatty, a specialist in property damage claims, water restoration, mold remediation, maximizing your claim, and managing the repair process for residential and commercial properties. She's here to pull back the curtain on the claims process and give you the knowledge and tools you need if (and when) you find yourself with property damage.

She’s a public adjuster (don’t worry, we learn all about what that means) and has tons of secrets to share today as she answers critically misunderstood questions like… Should your insurance agent make your claim? What words should you use, and avoid, when inquiring about damage? Who gets paid – when, why, and how much?

Insurance may seem like a dry topic, but you will be blown away by what you learn from this conversation. Gwynne is truly the kind of collaborator, professionally and personally, you want to have in your corner when the time comes to lace up your gloves vs. an insurance giant.

(00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @StayOldTownRoad

(00:03:02) Gwynne Drops Truth Bombs About STR Damage Claims

(00:07:29) Learn the Basics of Vacation Rental Insurance Claims

(00:17:39) Understanding Insurance & Your STR Business

(00:27:15) Example STR Damage Claim Scenario

(00:40:36) Can You Reopen an Old (Unfair) Insurance Settlement?

Resources:

• Text Gwynne: (954) 648-9258

• Email Gwynne: GwynneB@wedryUS.com

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

• #STRShareSunday: @StayOldTownRoad

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

342. Hosting Hotline: Creative Ideas for Concierge Services to Differentiate Your STR Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Francesca asks:

I am looking for ways to enhance the guest experience through concierge services. As an example, I saw someone post that they'll put away Instacart groceries for guests before they arrive. I'm looking for unique and creative concierge services to offer guests and differentiate from competitors. If you have any suggestions, that would be awesome. We are in a beach market.

(00:01:20) Question About Concierge Services at Vacation Rental

(00:02:19) Getting Your Strategy Straight: Revenue Driver vs. Free Gift

(00:03:14) Recommended Creative Concierge Services for Your STR Listing

(00:07:17) Market Research & Generative Brainstorming for Hosts

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Crack the Guest Code: Use Quizzes to Figure Out the Perfect Vacation Rental Stay (with Special Guest Linda Sidhu) #287

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

341. Problem Solving Hacks for Beginner Short-Term Rental Hosts & Co-Hosts Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Today’s expert guest is Lynn Smith, a short-term rental host and co-host for properties in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. Informed by a mixed background in public health, event planning, and sales, Lynn started her hosting journey in 2020.

She’s a star member of our Hosting Business Mastery Method and has actually taught us so much over the years, that it came time to feature her unique perspective and approach on the podcast.

Specifically, she’s a master at turning hardships into opportunities. We talk about the technology she’s used to manage her business, hard lessons she’s learned to effectively manage a team, and how she maintains healthy boundaries to keep it all running smoothly.

(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @ThatLittleLodge

(00:03:02) Lynn’s Initial Short-Term Rental Experience

(00:10:58) Stop Losing Sleep Over Guest Satisfaction

(00:21:53) Overcoming Roadblocks with STR Tech

(00:28:22) Tips for Dealing with Unique Vacation Rental Guests

(00:37:05) Operations Team Structure for a Hosting Business

(00:46:34) Finding Clients as a Professional STR Co-Host

Resources:

• Lynn’s co-hosting business: stayprofamilia.com

• Instagram: @profamilia_homes

• Check out Breezeway Assist

• Check out PriceLabs

• #STRShareSunday: @ThatLittleLodge

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

340. Hosting Hotline: How Much is Too Much Communication With STR Guests? Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Sandrine asks:

I have a few questions regarding guest communication. How much is too much and how exactly do you handle communicating the rental agreement? Do you send the rental agreement right through the booking platform, like Airbnb, or ask for a personal email? What do you do if they don't respond or sign it by the time that they book? I know each guest is different in how much interaction they want with their hosts, so I'm just wondering what the consensus seems to be on this topic.

(00:01:24) Appropriate Frequency of Communication with STR Guests

(00:03:01) Tips for Communicating Your Rental Agreement

(00:06:46) Suggested Cadence for Vacation Rental Guest Communications

(00:09:35) Benefits to Asking for a Review Upon Checkout

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

339. We Fought Restrictive Local Hosting Laws (and Won): Lessons in Short-Term Rental Advocacy Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

Today’s expert guests are Bob and Callie Karlen. A husband-and-wife investing team, they currently house hack their primary residence near Minneapolis, own and operate Bigwater Cove – their STR cabin in Northern MN – and are hoping to scale their portfolio in 2024 in the commercial boutique motel space in the near future.

Following last week’s informative discussion covering a painful acquisition process that didn’t quite work out, we talk to Bob and Callie about their own emotionally charged short-term rental rollercoaster – only this time, we get a (mostly) happy ending.

Off and running with their new Minnesota-based vacation rental cabin, Bob and Callie received the kind of letter that sends shivers up your spine. They were operating without a license. To complicate things further, they learned their address was located in a township, not the city in the sale listing that they’d done deep STR homework on.

They didn’t give up. In fact, they teamed up to bring their case to the planning commission and, over months and months, affect positive change in their community. We can’t wait for you to hear this riveting success story, and hope it inspires other hosts to fight for their own right to rent responsibly.

(00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @thewanderstay

(00:03:41) Doing Their Homework to Purchase a Vacation Cabin

(00:09:45) STR Licensing Issues: A Letter From the Planning Commision

(00:17:18) Now What? Amending the Ordinance

(00:26:38) Callie’s Vacation Rental PowerPoint Presentation to the Township

(00:29:25) The Painstaking Process of Changing STR Legislation

(00:43:54) Successfully Lobbying for Your Right to Rent

(00:46:45) Update on Required Noise Monitoring Technology

(00:48:22) Mindset Tips for Overcoming Restrictive STR Legislation

Resources:

• Website: bigwatercove.com

• Airbnb: Bigwater Cove - Lakefront cabin near Brainerd

• Instagram: @bigwater_cove

• Noise Aware: Indoor and Outdoor Sensors monitor noise levels at your property and will alert you through your Dashboard or Mobile App when the noise levels go over your set thresholds. Use code TFVNA20 for 20% off ($144/year including 1 free indoor sensor) and 20% off any additional indoor or outdoor sensor: noiseaware.com

• #STRShareSunday: @thewanderstay

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

338. Hosting Hotline: Recommended Training Tools & Software for Your STR Business Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Holly asks:

What systems and processes do you use to train virtual assistants and other staff members? Where do you store them, how do you build them, and on what platforms? We are trying to systemize every single process so that we can control everything we can.

(00:01:23) Question About Training STR Systems & Processes

(00:02:15) Using Zoom & Loom to Stay Connected to Your Team

(00:04:59) Recommend Asana for Training Management

(00:09:11) Building Personalized Trained Protocol

(00:10:36) Other Enterprise Tools & Suggested Software

(00:11:40) Breezeway for Maintenance, Inspections & Cleaning

(00:13:28) 3 Hot Tips for Operational Efficiency

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

• Asana Training: Paul Minors YouTube Channel

• Software Tools: Asana, Notion, Trello, Hubspot, Slack, and Voxer

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!